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Ranked 19th globally the tennis professional announced she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her tennis season ahead of schedule, labeling the grueling calendar as "too much, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old switched her citizenship from Russia to the Australian nation in the month of March, after public criticism regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ laws and the war in the Ukrainian region.

She struggled for form throughout the season, failing to win a tournament and finishing with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina linked the emotional stress from her nationality switch as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not seeing her father for four years.

She wrote in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for quite a while and, truth be told, my results and performances reflect that."

"I am at breaking point and unfortunately I am not alone," she continued.

"Add in the situation the emotional and mental stress associated with my citizenship change and there is only so much I can manage and take as an individual woman."

"If this makes me fragile, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"Nonetheless, I believe I am resilient and will get stronger by taking a break and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded myself for once."

Other Players Similarly Halting Their Years Early

Former top-five players Svitolina and Badosa similarly concluded their seasons early in recent weeks.

The Ukrainian star mentioned she had "not felt her usual self", while the Spanish player has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent back problem.

Other players have voiced concerns about the impact of the tour schedule.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in the Chinese tournaments recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the season is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The WTA has made it mandatory for elite athletes to compete in every Grand Slam, ten premier events and six 500-level tournaments.

The majority of 1000 events on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last a fortnight, as do all four major championships.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are hurt or have private matters, but they will receive no rankings points or prize money if they opt out.

Ex-top ranked player Djokovic, who has slimmed down his tournament appearances in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.